The Dare Dance Program offers kids a free and positive alternative to drugs and gang violence through the fun, healthy and expressive art form of dance. Students have the opportunity to learn many styles of dance taught by professional dance companies who serve as positive role models, discussing and demonstrating fun alternatives to drugs and violence.
The impact of drugs on America is staggering. Each year, illegal drugs cost society $110 billion in added social costs, contribute to fifty-two thousand deaths, and generate hundreds of thousands of violent crimes. Drugs also play a significant role in domestic violence and child neglect - problems that destroy the lives and dreams of children. The D.A.R.E. Dance Program will inspire youth with healthy messages, and encourage them to express themselves artistically.
The Program begins with an in school assembly led by a professional dance company. The company demonstrates many styles of dance and speaks to the students as role-models. Students can register for a free 20-week dance class series led by a professional dance instructor. At the end of the ten weeks, students perform in a community or school performance setting, bringing family and other students together. Finally, students are encouraged to apply for scholarship at a local dance studio.
The long-term goal of the D.A.R.E. Dance Program is to increase resistance against drugs and violence in community schools throughout the nation. The D.A.R.E. Dance Program is hosted in over 75 schools in 24 cities nationwide with 4,000 students enrolled in long-term dance classes at their schools and over 80,000 students, school officials and family members viewing D.A.R.E. Dance assemblies each year.
